From Home Depot to Helicopter Pilot: The Journey of Ryan Dale

Hey there, aspiring helicopter pilots! I’m Ryan Dale, and I’m excited to be your guide on this thrilling journey to becoming a helicopter pilot. I wanted to share a bit about my background so you can get to know me better and see that no matter where you start, achieving your dreams is entirely possible.

The Early Days: Finding Direction

Let’s start from the beginning. I wasn’t exactly a star student in high school—I graduated with a modest 2.88 GPA. My college experience at the University of Montana didn’t fare much better. I found myself skiing more often than attending classes, which led to dropping out and moving back in with my parents in Bellevue, WA.

While working at Home Depot, I was aimless, wrestling with the big questions many face in their 20s: Who am I? What do I want to do with my life? For my birthday, my dad gave me a 30-minute Introductory Helicopter Flight at Boeing Field (KBFI). At the time, it sounded like a fun story to tell my friends, but little did I know, that flight would change everything.

The Life-Changing Flight

That first helicopter flight was in 2001, and it was nothing short of transformative. I knew instantly that flying helicopters was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. But like many, the journey wasn’t straightforward.

(Me just after my first helicopter flight!!)

I started studying for my private license while working full-time at Home Depot. However, life and the aftermath of September 11th brought many uncertainties, especially in the aviation industry. Despite these challenges, my passion for helicopters remained unwavering. It took me a year and three months to get my private license. I moved several times across the country and worked different jobs, trying my best to study whenever I could.

Overcoming Obstacles

One of the biggest hurdles was the cost and time commitment. I spent over $3,500 just on private ground school, not including flight time. This meant hours of driving to and from the airport, balancing work, and studying late into the night. This struggle led me to develop our online ground school, 3G Heli Prep, to make learning more accessible and affordable for aspiring pilots like you.

Building 3G Heli Prep

Our online ground school is designed to save you time and money while providing the flexibility to learn on your own schedule. I wanted to create a resource that I wish I had when I was starting out—one that eliminates the need for constant commuting and allows you to study effectively from anywhere.

Why Choose 3G Heli Prep?

• Expertise: With over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen it all and know what works best in helicopter training.

• Comprehensive Resources: Our courses cover everything from basic ground school to advanced maneuvers.

• Supportive Community: We’re here to cheer you on every step of the way. You’re never alone in this journey.

Keep an Eye Out for More

I’ll be sending more stories and helpful tips your way to ensure you don’t waste money like I did. If you have any questions about helicopters or even the meaning of life, just hit reply—I’m always here to help!

So, are you ready to take the next step toward your dream? Visit 3G Heli Prep to get started. And don’t forget, if you’re using Gmail, drag my emails into your primary folder to make sure you get all my future updates.

Fly high and see you in the skies!

Ryan Dale